sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,068
- Reviews Submitted:758
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 12, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you unite the witches and hunters to defeat an unimaginable foe?
Overall rating
2
/
5
101 of 165 found this review helpful
ANCIENT ONE! DO YOU HAVE A SPELL TO MAKE THIS SERIES DISAPPEAR?
PostedSeptember 22, 2018
sunnyglow
fromSearching through that grimoire to see if there is any spell to put an end to this series!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OVERVIEW: Ancient One! Awakened by Anabel, you are off on another quest to save the world from demonic dark forces. As evil monsters invade earth, you are off to battle them with your book of spells. However, these dark creatures will not be your only foe. You must also battle a band of humans, the Order of Hunters, headed by Elliott Wright, the Master of the Order. The world, which once turned to the witches for help in defeating this evil, now view witches as evil. Wright has developed a powerful poison which turns witches into salt. He is collecting these salt crystals to accumulate the power of all the witches – but why? Now, with your sisterhood of witches, you must battle him and try to convince him to join forces to take on the true enemies of humans and witches, the monsters and dark forces invading the kingdom.
OPINION: The one positive thing I can state about this game is that there are no animal helpers. Thankfully, Bertha, the ferret, is gone! However, for me, this game will be a non-purchase. I believe this series has run its course and should end. The graphics are dated. The gaming script is a cookie-cutter version of the other games in the series. The monotone voices of the characters are so bad, they are hilarious. To me, this game is a perfect storm of a slow pace coupled with a terrible gaming script and terrible “acting” (voiceovers) by the characters. I became bored creating all the potions within this demo. There are also those irritating pauses during the changing of scenes. There were some puzzles I did enjoy, but overall, I found the game the same boring fare as all the others in the series.
MECHANICS: There are four (4) levels play including a customized version of the game. There are twelve (12) achievements. There are also (3) three screensavers. Collect thirty-one (31) morphing objects and thirty-one (31) tarot cards. I found most easy to locate. Also included in the game are casual art and soundtrack selections for music. You cannot replay any of the HOP scenes nor the puzzles.
GIMMICKY GRIMOIRE AND ALCHEMY KIT: You get a grimoire which contains spells to handle about anything (except how to get this developer to produce better games). You also receive an alchemy kit to produce potions. There are weird faces within the grimoire which advise you about dangers you may face in your battle against the dark forces and monsters. Spells from the demo include Master of flames (to set fire to anything) and Guide of Souls (to give the player power over ghosts).
HOP SCENES: The scenes are standard fare with little interactivity. There are five (5) in the demo and four (4) of them are storybook scenes in which you locate items in highlighted letters. In one storybook scene, you search for silhouettes. There is also a standard list of items. You can play a Match-3 puzzle in lieu of the scenes. In this game, as bad as the HOP scenes are, you may wish to consider that option.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are better than the HOP scenes. There is a variety of different styles and difficulty levels. There are nine (9) in the demo and there were some I did enjoy playing. There is one maze puzzle which is somewhat unique. It requires creating paths for colored sparks to move through, arriving at like-colored crystals within the grid.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE THE PUZZLES FROM THE DEMO:
A. Matching puzzle. Using a “special lens” locate symbols which match the one shown in the center. There are five (5) symbols to locate.
B. Connection puzzle. Or rather “disconnection” puzzle. Rotate interconnected fire spheres so none connect with each other.
C. Connection puzzle. Dealing with the dark spirits. Rotate three (3) rays emanating from a monster catcher so that each monster is touched by a ray.
D. Memory puzzle. On a grid with tiles, observe the placement of images on each tile. When they are hidden, choose the tile which matches an image given for you to locate. You begin with locating only three (3) items, moving to five (5) 2X
E. Matching. As symbols rain down on a grid, click on the matching ones and place them on the symbols in the center of the screen. After removal, a new one will replace it. Each spot will have two symbols to be replaced.
F. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows and adjusting the size, place four symbols into their proper slots. You must adjust the size and move them as well. Adjusting the size affects more than one symbol. There are four arrows and four plus and minus signs to adjust the size.
G. Simon Says puzzle. Repeat a light sequence. 3X
H. Maze puzzle. Rotate path segments on a grid so that a series of moving sparks move to their matching colored crystals. The sparks are in constant motion, so you must act quickly to rotate the paths.
I. Matching. In a battle scene, choose the circle which has the same symbols a those thrown by the Hunters.
B. Connection puzzle. Or rather “disconnection” puzzle. Rotate interconnected fire spheres so none connect with each other.
C. Connection puzzle. Dealing with the dark spirits. Rotate three (3) rays emanating from a monster catcher so that each monster is touched by a ray.
D. Memory puzzle. On a grid with tiles, observe the placement of images on each tile. When they are hidden, choose the tile which matches an image given for you to locate. You begin with locating only three (3) items, moving to five (5) 2X
E. Matching. As symbols rain down on a grid, click on the matching ones and place them on the symbols in the center of the screen. After removal, a new one will replace it. Each spot will have two symbols to be replaced.
F. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows and adjusting the size, place four symbols into their proper slots. You must adjust the size and move them as well. Adjusting the size affects more than one symbol. There are four arrows and four plus and minus signs to adjust the size.
G. Simon Says puzzle. Repeat a light sequence. 3X
H. Maze puzzle. Rotate path segments on a grid so that a series of moving sparks move to their matching colored crystals. The sparks are in constant motion, so you must act quickly to rotate the paths.
I. Matching. In a battle scene, choose the circle which has the same symbols a those thrown by the Hunters.
I don't recommend this game.
Solve the puzzle of the red mist and save a missing camper before they meet a terrifying end.
Overall rating
5
/
5
129 of 186 found this review helpful
WHAT LIES WITHIN THE CRIMSON MIST? A CAMPFIRE STORY WITH A SURPRISE ENDING!
PostedSeptember 20, 2018
sunnyglow
fromUnsolved mystery: There may be no dangling participles in this tale; however, there are dangling participants. After being left to suffocate in the crimson mist, what happened to acid-tongued Chloe, the bumbling ranger, and Margaret’s giggling buddy?
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter - Strategy Guide: 40 Pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter - Strategy Guide: 40 Pages
OVERVIEW: What happened to your father on a camping trip many years ago? As Tom Gilbert, you are off on your yearly pilgrimage to Calispell Forest to continue your search for the answer to that question. On the night of a crimson mist, your father was kidnapped; the next day he was discovered murdered. It appears that this year your question will be answered when the same crimson mist reappears at your campsite. Screams, lights in the forest, shadowy animal-head masked men, and ghostly visions of your father will be part of this year’s camping trip. Is the same nightmare happening again? When one of the fellow campers, Margaret, is kidnapped, you are off to investigate. What is the mystery behind these woods? Let the hunt begin to uncover the mystery!
OPINION: I have mixed feelings about this game. I gave it 5 stars because of the story and the puzzles. There is a fantastic story behind this game – a well-written spooky tale which engages the player. The player will not have the complete story behind the mystery of this game until the end. There are some unexpected surprises awaiting within this game! This game should appeal to those who love ghost-filled mysteries. Kudos to the author who wrote this narrative!
Nevertheless, I found the game to be short. You spend most of the time wandering around the forest trying to figure out the mystery behind the crimson mist and the masked hunters. Dark graphics add to the creepy ambiance, adding an element of suspense. I did find it somewhat irritating listening to the protagonist, Tom, narrate the entire game. I would have preferred the game with less conversation from talkative Tom. It is a decent, but not outstanding game. It is missing those little extras other developers provide within their games including a replay of the puzzles and HOP scenes. I would have liked to replay some of the more difficult puzzles. I liked the first game in the series a little better than this one, but it is still a decent game.
MECHANICS: There are the usual four (4) levels of play including a customized version. There are nine (9) achievements, all with three (3) parts. Collect twelve (12) figurines of the characters from the game and twenty-two (22) hearts. I found most easy to locate. There is an indicator bar showing the number of collectibles you have received, but not one indicating if there are any within the scene. There are fifteen (15) wallpapers plus concept art, music and video sequences.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. While our story telling campers are hiking through the woods, one of them falls through a hole into an underground bunker. This camper is in for a terrible surprise. Can the ghost story told around the campfire prove to be real after all? The chapter is very short with only three (3) HOP scenes and two (2) puzzles. There are no collectibles within this chapter. I found the story rather boring after the fantastic one in the main chapter. To me, this chapter is not worth the extra money to purchase this game as a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are only fourteen (14) HOP scenes within the entire game, including those in the bonus chapter. Many of them require searching for a specific number (ten to twelve) of one item such as ghosts. birds, or traps. There are junkpile lists of items with some interactivity. There are a few storybook scenes with items in highlighted letters to locate plus a couple of matching scenes. I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of variety and creativity of the HOP scenes.
PUZZLES: There are twenty-four (24) puzzles within this game, including the bonus chapter. They are much better than the HOP scenes, with most creatively designed. They vary in style with most of them being of medium difficulty. There are also some which are not designated as “puzzles” but probably should have been designated as such. There is a jigsaw puzzle which requires placing the pieces into position on a grid. Afterward, you must turn it over and enter a code as per symbols on the back. I did not feel this was an easy task, but it is not designated as a puzzle. It is also necessary to write down codes to open doors and safes because they are not written down and placed within your inventory.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Using a handle, move a latch through a maze to open a door. Move the arrow up-and-down and across the maze. There is a grate which covers the maze making it a little more difficult to see the maze itself. I found this puzzle a little tricky
B. Tangram puzzle. Place boards into position on a grid so no spaces remain between the boards.
C. Logic puzzle. On an electrical panel, set the number for each of four (4) dials to correspond to the number of capacitors and lights attached to each dial.
D. Strategy/maze puzzle. Move a hunter and his prey through a maze along paths of the maze so that both pick up their designated colored tokens (green for the prey and red for the hunter) at the same time. Continue until all the tokens have been removed from the grid.
E. Map puzzle. On a grid, toggle arrows so that the figure is led from the beginning to a bridge at the left end of the screen. You only have 11 moves.
F. BONUS CHAPTER: Battle scene. Simon says. Repeat a sequence on lights to defeat an evildoer. 3x
B. Tangram puzzle. Place boards into position on a grid so no spaces remain between the boards.
C. Logic puzzle. On an electrical panel, set the number for each of four (4) dials to correspond to the number of capacitors and lights attached to each dial.
D. Strategy/maze puzzle. Move a hunter and his prey through a maze along paths of the maze so that both pick up their designated colored tokens (green for the prey and red for the hunter) at the same time. Continue until all the tokens have been removed from the grid.
E. Map puzzle. On a grid, toggle arrows so that the figure is led from the beginning to a bridge at the left end of the screen. You only have 11 moves.
F. BONUS CHAPTER: Battle scene. Simon says. Repeat a sequence on lights to defeat an evildoer. 3x
I recommend this game!
Can you rid the city of a malevolent monster in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
63 of 139 found this review helpful
A HAIR-RAISING ADVENTURE FOR PHILEAS FOGG AND YOUNG HAWKES
PostedSeptember 15, 2018
sunnyglow
fromSuch unseemly behavior by Phileas Fogg! As a prim and proper British werewolf, he should always remember to keep a stiff upper lip and: Keep Calm and DON’T “Carry On!”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OVERVIEW: As a full moon rises above the city of London, the city lies in fear of werewolves. In this episode, you, young Hawkes, and your mentor, Phileas Fogg, have been infected by the disease, lycanthropy. Both of you will become werewolves under this full moon. However, Dr. Agnes Moreau may be able to formulate an antidote, if she can capture Fogg alive. After you receive a short-term inhibitor from the doctor, you are off to track down Fogg. However, you will need to fend off a crazed big game hunter, Allan Quartermain, who is in pursuit of him as well. Time is of the essence in capturing the wolfish Phileas Fogg. Keep calm and carry on, Hawkes! Any anger you experience may transform you into another member of the alpha male Fogg wolf pack.
OPINION: This is another game in the continuing saga of the League’s fight against the hidden criminal elements of the London underground. This game should appeal to those who like this series or have an interest in Victorian England. It is reminiscent of the movie “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.” I did not purchase the game. I dislike this series and to me, this game is just an ad nauseum rehash of the previous ones. Grasping now for game themes, EIPIX has joined other developers in resurrecting those fictious monsters from yesteryear. Their last game dealt with vampires, this one with werewolves. Hopefully, EIPIX will run out of themes and Victorian figures to desecrate and retire this series. To me, it is just another game in a long, drawn-out saga – this time based on a ridiculous storyline. The idea of Fogg as an alpha male werewolf is ludicrous.
WE ARE NOT AMUSED! The graphics are dark accented with blood-dripping red as in all the other games in the series. I found the pace in the demo decent. There are plenty of activities to keep the player engaged. I found the HOP scenes and puzzles better in this game than in previous games. It is a puzzle lover’s dream game; however, for me, I just could not stomach another game steeped in pseudo Victorian history! The true victims in these games are the noteworthy literary and historical figures which are used as props by this namedropping developer.
MECHANICS: There are four (4) levels of play including a customized version. There are fifteen (15) achievements. Collect thirty-four (34) wolf paw prints. There are twenty-two (22) morphing objects within the HOP scenes. You can replay twenty-four (24) HOP scenes and thirty-five (35) puzzles. You can choose between locations for three (3) chapters in the game. There are nine (9) wallpapers plus the usual concept art, music and video sequences.
HOP SCENES: There are only five (5) in the demo, but they are creatively designed. EIPIX is known for their multiple-step HOP scenes (searching for items in two different formats), and there are several in the demo. The demo includes lists of items and silhouette items. There is an excellent rebus scene encased in a panoramic setting. This scene is one of the best HOP scenes I have seen recently.
PUZZLES: There are sixteen (16) puzzles just within the demo. They vary in difficulty and style. Most I found easy with a few which are of middle difficulty. There are some classic puzzles (found in most puzzle books) thematically redesigned to fit the game. “The Farmer’s Field” puzzle has been modified to enclose piles of powder on a grid instead of cows within a field. The “Truthteller/Liar” classic puzzle is used with birds instead of native islanders. I found all excellent and creatively designed.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE SIXTEEN (16) PUZZLES FROM THE DEMO:
A. Matching puzzle. Search for animal prints using a camera to match up with those given at the side of the screen.
B. Escape puzzle. Move through traffic without getting hit by oncoming traffic. Then move across a canal jumping on logs without falling into the water to reach the other side.
C. Selection puzzle. Choose between using a torch or a whistle on two wolves. When the ears are up use the whistle. When they are down, use the torch.
D. Sequence puzzle. Move a series of valves so that all are facing to the right. Moving one affects the others.
E. Matching. Move glass shards into the right slots on metallic birds. Each shard’s bottom matches a slot on one of the birds.
F. Removal puzzle. Remove adjacent shards three at a time (except for colored ones which are equal to two shards) until all are moved.
G. Ye old Farmer’s Field puzzle. Using a card, separate a grid with piles of powder into sections so there are four piles in each section. You are given a specific number of horizontal and vertical moves you can make to separate the piles.
H. Ye old Truthteller puzzle. Logic puzzle. Ask two birds a series of questions to determine which is the truthteller and which is the liar.
I. Assembly puzzle. Repair a net with three different sized threads. There are nine (9) threads and all must be used and placed into the proper location.
B. Escape puzzle. Move through traffic without getting hit by oncoming traffic. Then move across a canal jumping on logs without falling into the water to reach the other side.
C. Selection puzzle. Choose between using a torch or a whistle on two wolves. When the ears are up use the whistle. When they are down, use the torch.
D. Sequence puzzle. Move a series of valves so that all are facing to the right. Moving one affects the others.
E. Matching. Move glass shards into the right slots on metallic birds. Each shard’s bottom matches a slot on one of the birds.
F. Removal puzzle. Remove adjacent shards three at a time (except for colored ones which are equal to two shards) until all are moved.
G. Ye old Farmer’s Field puzzle. Using a card, separate a grid with piles of powder into sections so there are four piles in each section. You are given a specific number of horizontal and vertical moves you can make to separate the piles.
H. Ye old Truthteller puzzle. Logic puzzle. Ask two birds a series of questions to determine which is the truthteller and which is the liar.
I. Assembly puzzle. Repair a net with three different sized threads. There are nine (9) threads and all must be used and placed into the proper location.
I recommend this game!
Use new vampire abilities to save your beloved in time!
Overall rating
4
/
5
77 of 132 found this review helpful
THE RESURRECTION OF THE VAMPIRE GAME!
PostedSeptember 13, 2018
sunnyglow
fromTurning pale and feeling like death warmed over after taking your prescription? If you are “out for blood” against the doctor who prescribed that medicine – Watch out! As in this game - those pangs may produce fangs!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
OVERVIEW: Holy Vampire - Batman! – Vampires are back! Travis Montgomery – find yourself as part of the world of the bloodsucking living dead. When the love of your life, Valerie, becomes deathly ill, you purchase a remedy to cure her. However, when you both drink this potion, you both die, only to reawaken as vampires. Alexander, the Master Vampire, is behind your deaths. He is on a quest to become the most powerful of all the vampires, and the key to his invincibility rests with Valerie. He plans to marry her and to make her his Queen of the Night. In this love triangle, will your immortal love conquer all? You will be tested to see if you have what takes to take on these “bloody” fiends. You will get some help from the Order of the Hunters, a group which studies and destroys vampires.
OPINION: After a couple of years of being buried by other genres, it appears that vampire games have resurrected on BFG. This game should appeal to those who love this genre. Personally, I had hoped vampire games would stay buried in the past; however, I believe we are in for another “bloody” onslaught of them. The re-emergence of vampire games indicates to me, that the casual gaming community needs to reawaken its creative spirit and develop some new gaming themes.
This is a decent, but not outstanding game. I did purchase this game because the story provides a unique twist on the vampire myth. The game is somewhat short, lacking in the amount of activities and quality demonstrated in other developers’ games. I found the graphics cartoon-like. The pace is decent in most of the game; however, it becomes snail-paced within the middle of the game.
MECHANICS: There are the usual four (4) levels of play including a customized version. There are twenty-three (23) achievements. Collect sixty (60) glass figurines and fifty-nine (59) morphing objects. Most scenes have two (2) of each collectible and I found some easy to locate and some not. The figurines blend well into the scenes and some are difficult to locate. There are four (4) screensavers and eight (8) wallpapers along with casual art and music selections. You can replay fifteen (15) puzzles and ten (10) HOP scenes.
GIMMICKY DRAGON BRACELET: You receive a bracelet with the dragon Oberon upon it. He consumes power from other vampires to give to you, his new master. You will get those powers every time you encounter a vampire and kill it. Each power is only used once.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. An old adversary returns to cause havoc on your wedding day. A wedding gift turns deadly for your bride. Find out why a seemingly innocent gift is now causing her to die. I found the chapter of decent length. It is comparable to the main chapter.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. An old adversary returns to cause havoc on your wedding day. A wedding gift turns deadly for your bride. Find out why a seemingly innocent gift is now causing her to die. I found the chapter of decent length. It is comparable to the main chapter.
HOP SCENES: There are only nineteen (19) HOP scenes in the game. Most of the scenes are lists of items with many scenes repeated. In my opinion, a collector’s edition game should not contain any repeated HOP scenes. There are also a couple of silhouette scenes, one matching pairs scene, and two replacement scenes (one being in a storybook format). I found the scenes nondescript with very little interactivity. If you enjoy straight lists of items, then you may enjoy these HOP scenes.
PUZZLES: There are only twenty-one (21) puzzles within the entire game. I loved most of the puzzles within this game, my favorite being a logic puzzle. I feel the puzzles are more creatively designed than the HOP scenes. They are thematic, varying in both style and difficulty, with most being of average difficulty.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Weights and balances puzzle. Place seven (7) metallic wolves on scales, placing them so that each wolf has its mouth on a bat.
B. Multiple-step puzzle (1) Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into position to restore a picture in a book. (2) Slider puzzle. Slide slats into position to restore another picture.
C. Logic problem. Based upon given statements, place photos into the proper location to indicate the relationship between seven (7) characters within the game. Between the pictures are “love” and “hate” symbols.
D. Assembly puzzle. Using two lenses on a telescope, switch lenses to align the stars to create nine (9) constellations.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Beat the computer. Checkers puzzle. Defeat bad bats by either jumping over them or touching them which turns them into good bats. Collect more bats than your opponent.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate triangular pieces to restore an image on a book.
G. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequential order.
B. Multiple-step puzzle (1) Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into position to restore a picture in a book. (2) Slider puzzle. Slide slats into position to restore another picture.
C. Logic problem. Based upon given statements, place photos into the proper location to indicate the relationship between seven (7) characters within the game. Between the pictures are “love” and “hate” symbols.
D. Assembly puzzle. Using two lenses on a telescope, switch lenses to align the stars to create nine (9) constellations.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Beat the computer. Checkers puzzle. Defeat bad bats by either jumping over them or touching them which turns them into good bats. Collect more bats than your opponent.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate triangular pieces to restore an image on a book.
G. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequential order.
I recommend this game!
Face the fears in Sebastian's Cinema of Horrors!
Overall rating
5
/
5
137 of 202 found this review helpful
A GAME CAPTURING THE “REEL” FEAR IN MOVIE MAKING – A CRAZED DIRECTOR! – ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR!
PostedSeptember 8, 2018
sunnyglow
fromI just discovered there is another “medium” to contact the spirit world, that being social media. Just saw this message: “Ghost social media has some ‘ghoul friends’ you may know. Should we add them to your ‘fiend’ list?"
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE MAIN GAME
8 Chapters plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 66 Pages
8 Chapters plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 66 Pages
OVERVIEW: Detective! You are off to the movies. As a paranormal detective, you have been called in to investigate some ghostly activity at an abandoned movie theater. While restoring this theater, Sebastian’s Horror Cinema, an architect and her crew disappeared, believed to be the caused by a ghostly presence. Meet the crazed, arrogant ghost of Sebastian Fleming, a director consumed with the passion of capturing the true expression of fear on film. However, his methods of capturing that emotion are unconventional. Unable to fulfill his desire to create a realistic horror story in life, he now wants to create “reel” fear to bring himself back to life. Stop him before he completes his “final” film and creates more victims from his madness.
OPINION: This is an academy award winning performance in gaming! If there were only one game I could purchase this year – this would be it! This is a long game, well worth the full price for this game. It should appeal to those who love mildly scary fare with a little satirical humor. There is some witty tongue-in-cheek humor throughout the game. You will receive humorous messages on your phone – a little corny perhaps, but I found some of them rather witty as well. Clicking on the scenes will produce some unexpected movement within the scenes. This is a puzzle-lover’s dream game. However, the HOP scenes are creatively designed as well. Domini is my favorite developer and they always provide more game for the money. The games are longer with extras that most developers do not provide. My only criticism would be the excessive amount of purple within this game. It truly is a case of purple overload.
MECHANICS: There are four levels of play which include a customized version. You have the choice to play a female or male character. There are thirty-three (33) achievements. You can set the difficulty of the puzzles within the menu between “easy” and “hard.” You can also change the difficultly as you play the puzzles. Instead of the gimmicky pair of glasses from previous games in the series (which broke), you now use a smartphone to see paranormal activity. Collect fifteen (15) cinema attributes, eleven (11) movie posters and fifty-six (56) tickets. The tickets are exchanged for items to place in an Auditorium Hall. There are moths on the inventory bar to indicate when there is a collectible within a scene. I found most easy to locate. There are ten (10) wallpapers plus casual art along with music and video sequences. You can replay eighteen (18) puzzles and nineteen (19) HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. After receiving a disk containing movies from Sebastian Fleming, Shelley, the wife of one of the game’s characters, seems possessed – obsessed with watching these movies. What horror is Sebastian planning? I have not completed the bonus chapter due to the length of this game. However, it appears to be a long chapter- well-worth the extra money for the additional chapter.
HOP SCENES: There are fourteen (14) in the main game. I have no idea how many are in the bonus chapter. Most of the scenes include lists of items and silhouette scenes, some within a storybook format. The scenes are interactive, and many contain mini-puzzles within the scenes. There are three I found creatively designed. One is a spot-the-differences scene. Another is a rather unsettling one with a creepy doll who chants before you locate silhouette items. I found that one a little chilling! My favorite is one in which you must use sliders along the sides of the scene to align silhouettes of the items with the actual items before you can remove them.
PUZZLES: There are thirty-nine (39) puzzles JUST in the MAIN GAME! Most puzzles have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard mode. They vary in style and there are some truly amazing puzzles within this game. There are some new puzzles I have not seen in other games. However, I do regret Domini did not provide a replay for more of their puzzles. I believe you can replay all the HOP scenes but less than half the puzzles.
SPOILERS: THESE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Remove interconnected shopping carts one-at-a time in the proper sequence until all are removed. You must clear them in a specific order to remove all chains binding them.
B. Connection puzzle. Create a path between a power source and two lights. Place connectors on a grid so that the ends connect to a plus and a minus. Lights will light up when placed correctly. You have seen this puzzle in other games. The directions are better written in this game.
C. Gear puzzle. Rotate four intermeshing grooved gears so that the openings within the gears match up with wires. Moving ones affects the others.
D. Strategy puzzle. Place marbles on a moving, winding path in a grid so they match with a given alignment. As the marbles move down the path, they change direction and realign.
E. Maze puzzle. Move colored chains on a grid to their proper location.
F. Connection puzzle. On a chemistry chart, start at the top and create a path turning all cells blue without retracing your steps. There are only a certain number of moves to do this.
G. Sequence puzzle. Follow the directions. A new puzzle not seen before. On a grid, move a test tube using directional arrows to pick up medicine in a specific order. If you do not pick them up in order, you must restart. The test tube will keep moving until it hits one of the items or is stopped at an edge of the grid.
H. Connection puzzle. Move a submarine on a grid connecting all checkpoints on the grid. Choose the correct arrow which will maneuver it through the path. Unique puzzle not seen before.
B. Connection puzzle. Create a path between a power source and two lights. Place connectors on a grid so that the ends connect to a plus and a minus. Lights will light up when placed correctly. You have seen this puzzle in other games. The directions are better written in this game.
C. Gear puzzle. Rotate four intermeshing grooved gears so that the openings within the gears match up with wires. Moving ones affects the others.
D. Strategy puzzle. Place marbles on a moving, winding path in a grid so they match with a given alignment. As the marbles move down the path, they change direction and realign.
E. Maze puzzle. Move colored chains on a grid to their proper location.
F. Connection puzzle. On a chemistry chart, start at the top and create a path turning all cells blue without retracing your steps. There are only a certain number of moves to do this.
G. Sequence puzzle. Follow the directions. A new puzzle not seen before. On a grid, move a test tube using directional arrows to pick up medicine in a specific order. If you do not pick them up in order, you must restart. The test tube will keep moving until it hits one of the items or is stopped at an edge of the grid.
H. Connection puzzle. Move a submarine on a grid connecting all checkpoints on the grid. Choose the correct arrow which will maneuver it through the path. Unique puzzle not seen before.
I recommend this game!
Can you recover an ancient underwater artifact in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
128 of 199 found this review helpful
SUBMERGE YOURSELF IN AN INCREDIBLE UNDERSEA ADVENTURE
PostedSeptember 6, 2018
sunnyglow
fromAtlantean evolution? Planet of the Sea Monkeys? Did Atlanteans evolve from Sea Monkeys? The ones in this game look very similar to the critters from my childhood Sea Monkey Ocean Zoo kit.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 Pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 Pages
OVERVIEW: Detective! You are off to Atlantis! Submerge yourself in a breathtaking undersea adventure to battle the Dark Trackers. When a researcher of ancient artifacts, Russell Jackman, goes missing, you are sent to an underwater settlement to locate him. Upon investigation, you find out he discovered an ancient Atlantean relic with tremendous power, one which allows the user to control the sea. Now the Dark Trackers want this device for their own nefarious purposes. Enjoy some incredibly beautiful underwater scenery as you attempt to rescue Dr. Jackman and stop the Dark Trackers in their track!
OPINION: I LOVED playing this game! What an incredibly beautiful game with oceanic graphics which are phenomenal! Kudos to Elephant for a well-designed game. This was an instant purchase for me as I have always had a fascination about Atlantis. This game should appeal to those who are interested in Atlantean mythology or those who love marine life. The game is somewhat short, but in this case, it is quality over quantity. To me, this is one of the best games from Elephant this year. This is an action-packed game full of creative HOP scenes and fantastic and unique puzzles.
ELF – MIA: It would not be a Mystery Trackers game without Elf. However, his services are not used much in this game. He is only used as a helper five (5) times in the main game and only three (3) times in the bonus chapter. He completely disappears after the demo – the reason you will discover as you play this fabulous game. All of those who hate helpers in games, you might want to rethink not playing this one. Elf does not have much of a presence in this game.
MECHANICS: There are the usual four (4) levels of play including a customized version. There are eighteen (18) achievements. Collect thirty-two (32) jigsaw pieces which provide a finished jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game. Collect twelve (12) denizens of the sea and twenty-seven (27) morphing objects. I found most easy to locate, although I found a few which were well-hidden. There are eight (8) wallpapers plus the usual casual art and music selections. You can replay twelve (12) mini-games and sixteen (16) HOP scenes hidden within the Secret Room. I feel this developer does themselves a disservice by not announcing the replay of the HOP scenes and puzzles in the opening part of the game. I, for one, evaluate whether to purchase a game based on whether I can replay the puzzles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Dr. Jackman is in trouble again! For a second time, he has been kidnapped by the Dark Trackers. This time, the Dark Trackers are seeking information on the location of the underwater civilization of Atlantis to rescue a fellow member. You are off to rescue him and save Atlantis. The same excellence within the main game is evident in this chapter as well. There are some fantastic HOP scenes and puzzles in this chapter. It is a long chapter making this game worthy of the classification “Collector’s Edition.”
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-three (23) HOP scenes in the game, many of which are creatively designed, with most scenes being thematic. Many are two-part scenes in which you search for items in one format and then switch to another. They include the usual lists of items and silhouette scenes, some within a storybook setting. However, there are also matching scenes, search and replace scenes, morphing objects within one scene, and one cryptic clues scene. There are three (3) amazing panoramic scenes in which you must expand the scene via arrows to locate all the items. In one, you move the scene up-and-down, which I have never seen before.
PUZZLES: There are thirty (30) puzzles within the game. However, there are several instances of multiple-step puzzles. You play one puzzle and then immediately play another one. They vary in design. I found most of them of medium difficulty; however, there are some easy ones as well.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Assembly puzzle. Move pieces up-and-down and sideways (using arrows) until an image emerges.
B. Multiple step. (1) Switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image on a tracking device. (2) Map puzzle. Follow the directions. Move a car the exact amount of spaces and in the correct direction on a given code until all directions are completed. If you make a mistake you must restart.
C. Mathematical puzzle. On a grid with numbers assigned to each row and column, add or subtract holes in each cell of the grid so that the number of holes equals the number assigned to each row and column.
BONUS CHAPTER:
D. Domino puzzle. Rotate and place dominos within a grid so that all the ends match each other.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch pearls so they match up with the background pattern in which they are placed.
F. Sequence puzzle. Choose symbols in the middle of a grid which are etched on the two columns on the sides of the grid. They must be chosen in sequence. They light up if the proper symbols are chosen. If you choose the incorrect symbol you must restart the puzzle.
B. Multiple step. (1) Switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image on a tracking device. (2) Map puzzle. Follow the directions. Move a car the exact amount of spaces and in the correct direction on a given code until all directions are completed. If you make a mistake you must restart.
C. Mathematical puzzle. On a grid with numbers assigned to each row and column, add or subtract holes in each cell of the grid so that the number of holes equals the number assigned to each row and column.
BONUS CHAPTER:
D. Domino puzzle. Rotate and place dominos within a grid so that all the ends match each other.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch pearls so they match up with the background pattern in which they are placed.
F. Sequence puzzle. Choose symbols in the middle of a grid which are etched on the two columns on the sides of the grid. They must be chosen in sequence. They light up if the proper symbols are chosen. If you choose the incorrect symbol you must restart the puzzle.
I recommend this game!
A chilling tale of death, deception, and the supernatural!
Overall rating
3
/
5
110 of 172 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH IS LESS THAN PICTURE-PERFECT!
PostedAugust 30, 2018
sunnyglow
fromWhat is the price of beauty? You don’t need to play this game to find out! Just ask any woman how much she spends per year to maintain her beauty regimen!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Game – Strategy Guide: 30 Pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Game – Strategy Guide: 30 Pages
OVERVIEW: Detective! What is the price of beauty? You will find out as you take an “artful” journey to Bedford, joining Dupin on another case. An artist’s models are disappearing! After posing for the famous artist, Tussole, the models simply vanish! The police suspect that the artist himself may be involved. However, is he the culprit? After one of the girls receives a letter indicating that her soul will be devoured by her portrait, it appears there may be a supernatural element involved in these disappearances. Discover what is behind the disappearances and learn the surprising identity of the culprit.
OPINION: This is a very short game. I finished this game, including the bonus chapter in less than four hours. To me, there is nothing to distinguish it from the thirteen (13) previous games within the series. The game is based on an obscure two-page Edgar Allan Poe story. It may appeal to those who love this series or perhaps those who love Edgar Allan Poe. However, I found this game a rehashed cookie cutter version of the others in this series. I was surprised at the “Editor’s Choice” designation. To me, with the brevity of the game, the lackluster HOP scenes and puzzles, plus the lack of extras, this game is not worthy of this rating. To me, it is a decent game but not an outstanding one!
I found this game somewhat boring as well. The game lags in some places. There are several scenes in which you collect the same items in multiple mini-HOP scenes. To me, this seemed like time filler. Why not just collect all the items in one standard HOP scene? And of course, it would not be an AMAX game without collecting coins to purchase items. However, the coins are not collectibles; rather, they are collected within mini-HOP scenes. The graphics are realistic with some breathtaking scenes. However, beautiful graphics cannot compensate for this lackluster game. I purchased it and then regretted it.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The residents of Bedford turn against the old hag from the main game. A curse is put on the town, but not by the witch but by her brother, Bernard. His magical brushes are turning living creatures into stone. Now, with the help of the old hag, stop her brother and return the town to normal. As stated previously, the chapter is very short. There are only five (5) puzzles and three (3) HOP scenes within this chapter. To me, it is not worth the extra money to play this chapter.
MECHANICS: There are four (4) levels of play including a customized version. There are twelve (12) achievements. Collect thirteen (13) figurines and twenty-six (26) morphing objects. You can replay twelve (12) mini-games and twelve (12) HOP scenes. There are the usual music selections along with video sequences and concept art. There are six (6) wallpapers and five (5) screenshots as well.
HOP SCENES: There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes in the entire game. There are also fifteen (15) mini-HOP scenes in which you search for a small number of one item or pieces of items. There is a variety of HOP scenes including lists of items, silhouette, and storybook scenes in which you must search for items which are highlighted in the text. There is also a matching scene and a couple of search and replace scenes. I found two (2) creatively designed. In one you replace items back onto an iron gate. I found it somewhat difficult to find the location for the items. In another, you open boxes to match up items.
PUZZLES: There are only twenty-three (23) puzzles in the entire game. There are three puzzles in this game which are variations of ones I played last week in other games. The styles may vary, but they are basically the same puzzles. There are a few puzzles which allow the player to choose between a “Casual” or “Hard” version of the puzzle. I found that the puzzles had a good mix of easy and difficult ones.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Jigsaw puzzle. Move between three (3) doors to place pieces into place on a grid to create numbered door placards.
B. Cleverly designed puzzle. Cabinet puzzle. Begin with one drawer in a cabinet. Pull out a door handle and place it into position on the cabinet to open yet another drawer. Continue until all drawers are open. Within the drawers you will locate items you will need to use to interact with items in other drawers.
C. Map puzzle. Walk through a series of hallways to get to the exit. Place eleven (11) arrows onto a grid to plot the route and then press Play to see if you have the right combination. Played this same puzzle last week in another game.
D. Sequence puzzle. Unusual puzzle in which you are given a code with four (4) symbols, each associated with three (3) numbers. Based on this code enter the numbers in sequential order on a telephone
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Place tokens into position to open a gate. After rotating the pieces, press the play button to see if they move to the center to form a circle. Just played this puzzle last week in another game.
F. Excellent puzzle. Match -3 game. On a 3-dimensional grid match up obstacles by threes to remove them and open a path for a carriage to move through. Best puzzle in the game.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Combine two or more symbols, from two rings so that when combined they produce a symbol in the middle of the screen.
H. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze with a flashlight picking up items to help you overcome obstacles in your path. Just played this puzzle in another game last week.
B. Cleverly designed puzzle. Cabinet puzzle. Begin with one drawer in a cabinet. Pull out a door handle and place it into position on the cabinet to open yet another drawer. Continue until all drawers are open. Within the drawers you will locate items you will need to use to interact with items in other drawers.
C. Map puzzle. Walk through a series of hallways to get to the exit. Place eleven (11) arrows onto a grid to plot the route and then press Play to see if you have the right combination. Played this same puzzle last week in another game.
D. Sequence puzzle. Unusual puzzle in which you are given a code with four (4) symbols, each associated with three (3) numbers. Based on this code enter the numbers in sequential order on a telephone
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Place tokens into position to open a gate. After rotating the pieces, press the play button to see if they move to the center to form a circle. Just played this puzzle last week in another game.
F. Excellent puzzle. Match -3 game. On a 3-dimensional grid match up obstacles by threes to remove them and open a path for a carriage to move through. Best puzzle in the game.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Combine two or more symbols, from two rings so that when combined they produce a symbol in the middle of the screen.
H. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze with a flashlight picking up items to help you overcome obstacles in your path. Just played this puzzle in another game last week.
I recommend this game!
Your brother’s invention has made contact with aliens. Help him defeat an intergalactic invasion before the Earth is destroyed.
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 180 found this review helpful
ALIEN INVASION! SAVE EARTH IN A GAME WHICH IS OUT OF THIS WORLD
PostedAugust 25, 2018
sunnyglow
fromIn the game you get a “weird device,” allowing you to communicate with aliens. However, this was not necessary. What about cell phones? With poor reception, at times, I could swear I am speaking with aliens.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 Pages
4 Chapters plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 Pages
OVERVIEW: Alien invasion! Get prepared Amelia to defend planet Earth! When you were children, your twin brother Reggie vanished in a beam of light never to be seen again – until now. Upon receiving a message from him, you are off to a deserted hotel to reunite with him. Upon arriving, you discover Reggie has been in training with the Galactic Force and is now the Sentinel protecting this planet. Now the planet is in under attack by an extraterrestrial force, the Contagion. When Reggie is injured, it will be up to you, Amelia, to save the Earth! Are you up to the challenge? The destiny of the planet now rests on your shoulders! Get ready to take on the Eradicators, a nasty bunch of robots headed by a buggy-eyed queen. Let us see if you have the right stuff to fry their circuits!
OPINION: I LOVED playing this game. It should appeal to sci-fi enthusiasts. It is high tech with robots, gadgets, and gizmos which don’t exist in the real world but are fun to tinker with in this game. The graphics are cartoonish with excellent sci-fi scenes. The story is vastly different from the beta/survey game; nevertheless, I feel it is better than the one in the beta. It is a fast-paced game with plenty of activities to keep you busy. You get a “weird device” (as it is called in the game) which allows to communicate with interplanetary beings.
MECHANICS: There are five (5) levels of play including a customized version. There are nine (9) achievements, most containing three (3) parts. Collect twenty-nine (29) planet-type objects and twenty-nine (29) morphing objects. There are also morphing objects within the HOP scenes. I found some well-hidden and others not. If you miss the morphing objects, at the end, you can return to the scenes and retrieve them. At the end of the game, collect twenty-nine (29) treasures as well. You must locate all the collectibles before you can search for the treasures. There are seven (7) wallpapers. You can replay nineteen (19) HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Amelia is trying to save her brother Reggie from an alien infection. You are off to the American West to locate a pyramid with an underground Galactic Force base which will allow you to restore his health. I found the bonus chapter an excellent follow-up to the game. There are a decent number of cleverly designed puzzles and HOP scenes.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-three (23) HOP scenes in the game. This includes the five (5) in the bonus chapter. The scenes in this game are incredible! They are cleverly designed and the best part of the game. There is a wide variety of styles as well – lists of items, silhouettes, storybook scenes, search and replace, and matching. In one scene you use robotic arms to choose items to create a robotic prototype. In another you use binoculars to locate geometric shapes. There is an incredibly beautiful storybook scene in which you locate constellations on a star map. Superb!
PUZZLES: There are thirty-five (35) puzzles in the game which include the nine (9) in the bonus chapter. They vary in style and difficulty; however, most are thematic and mechanical in nature. I wish Mad Head would provide a replay for some of the puzzles. With this number of puzzles, there are several I would like to play again. I found most of the puzzles creatively designed. However, I do feel in this game, the HOP scenes are much better designed than the puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Arcade puzzle. Maneuver your space capsule to avoid asteroids in your path.
B. Maze puzzle. Lead a token through a maze (with moving gears which change the path), so it picks up a key and travels to a lock at the end.
C. Connection puzzle. Move a green token through a path filled with red tokens. The path must be continuous passing through each red token without retracing steps.
D. Maze/Mathematical puzzle. On a grid, move a token by pressing on numbers at the side which will move that token that many spaces. Arrows within the grid will change the direction. However, to change direction you must calculate the correct number of spaces you need to travel to arrive at an arrow which changes direction.
E. Match-3 puzzle. Beat the nasty alien by getting more crystals than the alien.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Build a totem pole with given pieces.
G. Assembly puzzle. An awesome puzzle in which you rotate three wheels with partial symbols on each one to create a slot for five symbols at the bottom to be fit when placed upon these wheels.
H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and move hexagonal tokens to recreate a given image.
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate a piece of pottery.
J. Maze puzzle. Move a token from beginning to end in a specific number of moves (17)
B. Maze puzzle. Lead a token through a maze (with moving gears which change the path), so it picks up a key and travels to a lock at the end.
C. Connection puzzle. Move a green token through a path filled with red tokens. The path must be continuous passing through each red token without retracing steps.
D. Maze/Mathematical puzzle. On a grid, move a token by pressing on numbers at the side which will move that token that many spaces. Arrows within the grid will change the direction. However, to change direction you must calculate the correct number of spaces you need to travel to arrive at an arrow which changes direction.
E. Match-3 puzzle. Beat the nasty alien by getting more crystals than the alien.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Build a totem pole with given pieces.
G. Assembly puzzle. An awesome puzzle in which you rotate three wheels with partial symbols on each one to create a slot for five symbols at the bottom to be fit when placed upon these wheels.
H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and move hexagonal tokens to recreate a given image.
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate a piece of pottery.
J. Maze puzzle. Move a token from beginning to end in a specific number of moves (17)
I recommend this game!
Stop an evil dragon from plunging the Empire into darkness!
Overall rating
2
/
5
92 of 161 found this review helpful
A DRAGON’S TALE WHICH JUST SEEMS TO “DRAG ON”
PostedAugust 23, 2018
sunnyglow
fromAfter playing the demo of this game with those bright purples, funky pinks, and neon greens, I have the urge to turn on a “lava lamp” and listen to some disco from the 1970’s.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
OVERVIEW: Honored Healer, you are off on another case for the Imperium Medico. A petrified dark dragon has been found by the kingdom’s archaeologists. Queen Tar-liss wishes to display it to the public; however, unbeknownst to her, this dragon is Gromoss, an evil dragon out for revenge. When he is released from his prison, a protective shell, he goes into battle mode – out to conquer the kingdom and avenge himself. His aim is to release dark demons to aid him in his conquest. He is also spreading a contagion which turns humans into dragons. With your remedy kit in hand, heal those affected while attempting to stop Gromoss from his quest to conquer the kingdom.
MY FUNKY PURPLE, PINK, AND NEON GREEN OPINION: Boring! I usually love Domini games; however, this is one series I hate. Play one - play them all! This game is a cookie cutter version of the other three preceding it. Insert a new monster with some contagion and presto! - you have the next game in the sequel! I found it snail-paced and even with the numerous puzzles and collectibles, I could not wait for the demo to end. For a game which should be action-packed, this one is not. The graphics are dark with those over-used splashes of the purple, pink and iridescent green everywhere. Hey, Domini - the 1970’s want their colors back for tie-dye shirts and bellbottoms! Peace out!
NOW REPEAT THIS THREE TIMES! You will spend most of your time performing the same three activities. First, encounter an afflicted person and perform a diagnostic evaluation on him/her with a diagnostic scepter. To complete the diagnosis, you play three (3) puzzles. Second, after making your diagnosis, receive a list of five items you must locate to prepare a cure. Third, after making a tedious search back-and-forth between numerous scenes for the five items, put them into a distiller in proper order to get the cure. Are you bored yet? Yawn!
MECHANICS: There are the usual four (4) levels of play including a customized version. There are thirty-six (36) achievements. Collect fifteen (15) dragon figurines, fifteen (15) notes and seventy (70) dragon eggs to purchase fourteen (14) items for your laboratory. There is an indicator on the inventory bar indicating if there is collectible within the scene. The player can also choose the level of difficulty (casual or hard) for the puzzles within the menu as well. There are ten (10) wallpapers along with the usual concept art and music selections. There are two (2) gimmicks in the game – a healer kit with an accompanying diagnostic scepter. There is a replay option of eighteen (18) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) puzzles.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes in the game. In the demo, the HOP scenes are silhouette and lists of items. There are also some mini-HOP scenes in which you locate a small number of items. I found the scenes very creatively designed and much better than in previous games. There are some innovative locations to search for items. You can play a Match-3 game in lieu of the scenes.
PUZZLES: There are twenty-seven (27) puzzles in the game. You can choose between a hard and casual version for most puzzles. As stated previously, you play three puzzles as part of diagnosing an infected person. You play another puzzle in which you decided where to place five (5) items into a distiller to create a cure. Where the ingredients are placed is a matter of random guessing. There is no logical method of assessing where they are placed. The other puzzles are thematic and creatively designed. I always enjoy the puzzles Domini provides; however, it is not enough for me to play this game.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES IN THE DEMO:
VARIATIONS OF A AND B ARE USED THREE (3) TIMES IN THE DEMO:
A. Diagnosis puzzle. Multiple-step. (1) Sequence puzzle. Click on red dots until all turn blue. Clicking on one affects the others. (2) Simon Says puzzle. Repeat the movements on an eye. 3X (3) Connection puzzle. Connect all paths between red dots without retracing steps.
B. Distiller puzzle. Assembly puzzle. After you search and locate all the ingredients put them into their proper position in a distiller and press “play” to see if you are correct.
OTHER PUZZLES:
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate four (4) pieces of an image and then press “play” to see if all four pieces, as they rotate on their path to the center, form a unified circle.
D. Mathematical puzzle. Using numbered levers, add or subtract liquids so that each liquid reaches a designated line on each tube.
E. Physics/Mirror puzzle. Move and angle crystals so that beams of light connect crystals to tokens of the same color.
F. Maze puzzle. Move footprints through a maze locating items along the way to remove obstacles in the path.
A. Diagnosis puzzle. Multiple-step. (1) Sequence puzzle. Click on red dots until all turn blue. Clicking on one affects the others. (2) Simon Says puzzle. Repeat the movements on an eye. 3X (3) Connection puzzle. Connect all paths between red dots without retracing steps.
B. Distiller puzzle. Assembly puzzle. After you search and locate all the ingredients put them into their proper position in a distiller and press “play” to see if you are correct.
OTHER PUZZLES:
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate four (4) pieces of an image and then press “play” to see if all four pieces, as they rotate on their path to the center, form a unified circle.
D. Mathematical puzzle. Using numbered levers, add or subtract liquids so that each liquid reaches a designated line on each tube.
E. Physics/Mirror puzzle. Move and angle crystals so that beams of light connect crystals to tokens of the same color.
F. Maze puzzle. Move footprints through a maze locating items along the way to remove obstacles in the path.
I don't recommend this game.
Uncover a conspiracy against the king!
Overall rating
4
/
5
79 of 136 found this review helpful
A GAME ROYALE - FLUSH WITH PALACE INTRIGUE
PostedAugust 18, 2018
sunnyglow
fromIf all efforts fail and Randall does not ascend to the throne, all is not lost. His comeliness, noble stature, and British accent could always land him a job as “king” at one of the Medieval Times dinner theater franchises.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 Pages
OVERVIEW: Return to the Middle Ages to play a game steeped with palace intrigue. Play the son of the King’s trusted advisor. You and your brother, Randall, have been chosen to clear a route for the king. However, while performing this duty, the king’s carriage is ambushed, with the king being killed. Now you and your brother are charged with the king’s murder. You have been framed by an evildoer. After escaping armed guards, you arrive home to discover your father has been murdered as well. However, after searching through your father’s possessions, you discover that your brother is the rightful heir to the throne. Now, you and your brother must battle against an evil tyrant out to usurp the throne.
OPINION: This game should appeal to those who love the Middle Ages with royal courts filled with palace intrigue. It should also appeal to those who like easy breezy games. However, this game is not my cup of tea. Although not outstanding, I believe it is a decent game by this new developer. I found the graphics dark, filled with gray hues and dull colors. Even with the swordplay and battle scenes, I found the demo snail-paced. I believe this is the result of excessive back-and-forth motion between scenes searching for items. Much of this activity seemed like time filler. The demo was boring to me even with only playing the short demo.
OPINION: This game should appeal to those who love the Middle Ages with royal courts filled with palace intrigue. It should also appeal to those who like easy breezy games. However, this game is not my cup of tea. Although not outstanding, I believe it is a decent game by this new developer. I found the graphics dark, filled with gray hues and dull colors. Even with the swordplay and battle scenes, I found the demo snail-paced. I believe this is the result of excessive back-and-forth motion between scenes searching for items. Much of this activity seemed like time filler. The demo was boring to me even with only playing the short demo.
MECHANICS: There are the usual four (4) levels of play including a bonus chapter. Collect twenty-nine (29) medallions. The collectible indicator on the inventory bar states there are twenty-nine (29 medallions; however, the strategy guide indicates forty (40). I did not purchase the game, so I have no idea why eleven (11) more were not added to the inventory bar. I found them easy to locate. You can replay nine (9) HOP scenes and ten (10) puzzles. There are wallpapers (exact number I could not verify) along with concept art plus the usual music and video selections.
HOP SCENES: There are only three (3) in the demo. They are creatively designed. There is an interactive one which involves searching for items and replacing them back within the scene. The other two are lists of items.
PUZZLES: They are easy, a little too easy for my taste. Again, there are only four (4) in the demo, so it is rather difficult to assess the genre of the puzzles from just the demo.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE THE PUZZLES FROM THE DEMO:
A. Slider puzzle. Slide colored tokens to like-colored slots.
B. Tracing puzzle. Trace all lines in a geometric figure without crossing lines.
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequential order to open a door.
D. Slider puzzle. Place portraits into the proper position on an assembly rail so that as they travel, they end up in their proper positions on a family tree.
B. Tracing puzzle. Trace all lines in a geometric figure without crossing lines.
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequential order to open a door.
D. Slider puzzle. Place portraits into the proper position on an assembly rail so that as they travel, they end up in their proper positions on a family tree.
I recommend this game!